Alberto Contador: “That Vino win is as if I had won”

“It was impressive, I'm happy that have won Vino, it's as if I had won”, said Alberto Contador after congratulating at the finish line Alexander Vinokourov after his victory in Liege.

“It was the result of the team work and I'm very happy”, he continued. "We had talked before the start we played with two options, mine went through attack at St. Nicholas or the Roche aux Faucons. There I started a little late, I got go with Andy Schleck, but we have been taken and when Vino is gone, I tried to make the maximum braking, especially with the Schleck brothers and Joaquim Rodriguez”.

“I've seen that Vino was very strong and had very touched listening how they cheered him on the radio. When I heard that he has won, I've been very happy”, he said. Contador also congratulated the team for their work. “We have been very compenetrated. We had two good chances of winning and when Vino goes ahead it was clear to me: I had to do what Saxo Bank did with Andy Schleck last year. The result was perfect”.

Alberto Contador come back from the Ardennes with a good feeling. “I have great taste in my mouth after these races, but today I noticed a lot more allergies than in the Fleche, but I saved the day because I had good sensations. I only gave a hint of cramps crowning St. Nicholas and in the last 500 meters of the race. In the two place I preferred to regulate because I thought I could stay cramped”.

The balance of this first part of the season, says Alberto, "I had signed it at the beginning of the year. In every race I have been contesting or even winning, and those not, as here in Liège, doing a great job. The first part of the season has been superb”.

Good work Alberto! Congratulations to all Team Astana on the hard work, teamwork and success this Season! It’s so great to see everyone looking happy and really working together as a team. Very impressive! Thanks!